The question and answer session has closed.
Jacobus Rossouw asked:
Good Day Jacques
I have watched a few rugby and soccer games at Cape Town Stadium and are one of the people that is pro for the movement by WPRU from Newlands to the Cape Town Stadium. I would just like to know how they plan to make this work. Currently it is owned by the City of Cape Town, will WPRU need to lease it from them or is it possible that they will sell it to them.
Kind Regards
Jacques answered:
In my opinion, the Cape Town Stadium is not sustainable without a resident rugby tenant or team. I believe that at the time of the stadium being built, a rugby union should have been partnered with and brought on board.
Having said that I am aware of discussions under way between the WPRU and the city for a possible move.
If the respective parties do come to an agreement to partner, I believe that it will still take close to 5 years before a move could be implemented, inventory solutions regarding the Cape Town Stadium in terms of rugby’s requirements will have to be found as well as “what to do with Newlands”
Clint Griffin asked:
Dear Sir
This question pertains particularly to Moses Mabhida in Durban but in general could pertain to others. Why, when the initial bid was successful using architectural plans to revamp Kings Park, was the decision made to then build an entirely new stadium? Not only that but why did the building consortium refuse to engage with the Sharks and seek advice on how best to design a stadium whose main tenant would be rugby? Also, as it now appears, the multipurpose nature of Moses is invalid as it is not big enough to accommodate a 100m sprint section along it''s length - who designed a multipurpose stadium with no purpose at all?
Jacques answered:
I believe that it would have been more expensive to revamp Kings Park than to build the new stadium. I have no doubt that revamping the stadium would have been looked into – as was done with Ellis Park and Soccer City Complex. 5 of this country’s stadiums were revamped, and 5 were built from scratch.
In an ideal world, we would have liked the Sharks, LOC and Council to be working together, getting advice from each other and sharing knowledge and needs for legacy purposes, however it would appear that that was not the case.
I don’t think that the stadium is suitable for rugby and other multi-purpose events and would need to undergo a structural re-design should it be needed for events other than football.
Nelia asked:
Are you disappointed that Soccer City Complex, FNB Stadium will only be hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of Afcon 2013?
Jacques answered:
Not at all. The right decision was made to take the pool matches to other stadiums in SA. Understand that AFCON is a tournament that all of South Africa must experience and enjoy – not just Gauteng.
Marc Zlotnick asked:
With all of the hoops we had to jump through for FIFA and all of the financial guarantees, technical committees, etc - logic dictates that a SUSTAINABILITY STUDY for each stadium would have formed part of the process PRIOR to their construction. Surely the legacy of empty stadiums is not something unforeseeable and one imagines that they were constructed with well-developed contingencies in place for their use post WC2010. Did these studies take place and if so - what did they show and why arent these post WC2010 uses being implemented? I refuse to believe we built them on a wing & a prayer. Or were the sustainability studies commissioned and done and all actually a pile of BS (in which case there must be accountability). We have some of the best & brightest engineering and project management minds in SA - something stinks ...
Jacques answered:
As far back as 2008 Stadium Management South Africa undertook sustainability and legacy studies on all four of our stadiums. We had a view that the World Cup was just another event – it wasn’t the be all and end all, and that life would continue thereafter.
We met with architects, consultants and construction companies to make sure that our stadiums would have life after the event. I don’t believe that the same was done for Cape Town Stadium.
In my opinion error could have been made when building Moses Mabhida Stadium as it should have mirrored Kings Park in terms of number of suites – building a stadium that cannot accommodate your biggest revenue generator is a stadium that won’t flourish.
Another fault was using external consultants rather than existing stadium managers – who would have come in to make the best situation of the World Cup, and not necessarily planned for the future years.
Nelia Smith asked:
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs were fined last season for the misbehaviour of their fans, what measures are in place to alleviate this problem next season?
Jacques answered:
Neither of these teams have been fined whilst at any of our 4 venues. There was one incident with one supporter, which we treat as an isolated incident as opposed to the norm.
I cannot recall the last time we had an incident at our stadiums – certainly nothing this last season. I would not hesitate to take my family to any soccer game in SA.
I think the reason why we have been incident free is largely due to good communication from the clubs to their supporters. In addition, we, with the clubs, have worked tirelessly towards creating friendly and family environments as well as visible policing.
Mark Shepherd asked:
I have a very basic question which I''ve not been able to find an answer for; how were the new stadiums funded? Was it a combination of SA government and FIFA? And if so, how much did each pay percentqage wise?
Jacques answered:
The different stadiums are funded on different models, however the common denominator is that the National Treasury would have funded up to as much as 66% and then the Provincial Government and cities would make up the rest.
With regards to Soccer City: 43% was funded by the City of Johannesburg, with the National Treasury funding the remainder. Understand that Stadium Management South Africa receives no monthly or annual grant from the national or local government whatsoever. In other words the four stadiums that we manage (Soccer City Complex, Orlando Stadium, Rand Stadium and Dobsonville Stadium) are not paid for or run off by the tax-payers money. SMSA run on a full financial risk basis.
FIFA built SAFA House, which they later donated to SAFA post the 2010 Soccer World Cup. They did not contribute towards the stadiums.
Bonginkosi Mabaso asked:
Have you guys thought of converting Capte Town Stadium into a international track and field stadium and speak to IAAF about hosting a diamond leage event on an annual basis.
This is a fantastic world class stadium and it woul be a pity to see it being torn down.
Hell why not even put a pitch in there and use if for international 20/20 games for the proteas.
Jacques answered:
I know that Cape Town Stadium have recently updated their business plan that would most probably cover such opportunities, although as I’m not involved I’m reluctant to comment too much on this. The stadium is, however, too small to host cricket matches.
Clinton Marney asked:
Cape Town Stadium is an awesome stadium. Can we not share some of the rugby games between Newlands and CT Stadium? Some Currie Cup and Vodacom cup games along with Super Rugby? Surely we can also share football games and maybe even host a cricket game at CT Stadium?
Jacques answered:
The stadium is too small for cricket, but has been used for the occasional rugby game. The biggest problem is the shortage of suites at Cape Town Stadium. Suites are a stadiums greatest revenue generator.
The rugby unions will be reluctant to move their games to a stadium that cannot accommodate all their suite owners – I know that this was the biggest problem that we experienced when we brought the Vodacom Bulls to Orlando Stadium.
Dean Berzen asked:
I believe that the use of these stadiums need to be taken over by their city''s rugby franchises, this moses mabhida stadium. The unions I believe should be moving into the "new era" to continue the legacy of what 2010 set out. But what do you believe should happen to 1) Cape Town Stadium, be it in a bad area for a stadium, 2) Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit where nothing much happens?
Jacques answered:
The two stadiums that you mention here are perfect examples of sustainability studies that did not prove to be fruitful. You cannot just ‘pick up and go’ in terms of moving a rugby franchise as there is so much more to consider behind the scenes.
I’m not 100% certain what the solution is for these stadiums under the circumstances. What I do know is that Stadium Management South Africa would not take over the Cape Town Stadium unless there was a rugby union on board at the stadium.
Paul da Cruz asked:
Hi Jacques
Stadiums require usage to not be considered white elephants. what is the chance of the government stipulating and incentivising big sports codes such as rugby cricket and soccer to base teams in places like Nelspruit and Polokwane, or that big teams like the bulls and titans be subsidized to play a certain number of games here?
Surely with govt input and funding these can also be the basis for developing sports like rugby and cricket in previously disadvantaged areas and among the communities - can development sides not be established that are based out of these locations and which can partake in lower leagues such as the domestic first class (non-franchise) cricket leagues or vodacom cup in rugby?
Lastly what about thinking out of the box - surely Nelspruit would have been a great place to host some of the cricket t20 champions trophy matches?
Jacques answered:
There are clear boundaries and differences between professional sport and amateur sport, and it’s of my opinion that we should never blur the lines.
When dealing with professional sports, the commercial value increases due to sponsorship, ticket sales, suite sales etc, which you don’t get on an amateur level.
It is the government's job to make funding available for sports facilities as well as development – not to fund professional sports teams or unions.
Kelly Hilton-Green asked:
How much does it currently cost to run the Cape Town stadium without any sporting events per month?
What does it cost to run a sporting event at the CPT Stadium?
Jacques answered:
Irrespective of how many events you run monthly, your fixed operating expenses remain the same. For an event that would host an 80% capacity crowd, Stadium Management South Africa works on around R1 million per event in terms of the event related costs. For a 20% capacity crowd, you’re looking at about R150 000 in event related costs.
Francois De Wet asked:
Good day Jacques. Is there not any way that the stadium can indepenetly look at maybe hosting a Springbok test matches without having to involve the Western Province Rugby Union?
I am asking because the last time a match was upposedly to be play a CT stadium it did not realise because of WPRU''s fight with City of Cape Town. Surely a few tests would generate some money for the stadium.
Jacques answered:
It is in this country’s interest to work together whether it be rugby, soccer or any other event. All unions want to work together for the betterment of sport, so it would be a short term view to move the occasional match just to increase match-day attendances.
The disagreements come in when unions cannot see eye to eye in terms of the facilities made available to them at the new stadium. When Stadium Management SA were asked to host the Vodacom Bulls game at Soccer City, we invited the Blue Bulls Company staff, coach and senior players to visit our venue. Once they were happy with it, we could move forward. If there are structural challenges in place, then unfortunately no team would be willing to move their game to a new stadium.
Sandile Msimang asked:
How much are the monthly maintanance costs for the FNB Stadium, and if the Joburg Municipality is responsible for the maintance cost; does any of the generated revenue (if any) enrich or add financial value towards the city''s other projects?
Jacques answered:
Stadium Management South Africa runs on a full financial risk basis meaning that we don’t rely on the City of Jo’burg or government for funding and are the promoters and managers of all our activities at our stadiums. At Soccer City alone, we have saved the government R108 million to date, whereas a stadium such as Cape Town Stadium has cost the taxpayer R57 million to date. Moses Mabhida Stadium has cost the tax-payer R50 million to date.
If Stadium Management SA makes a profit, then the City of Johannesburg would receive 22% of the profits produced. An additional 10% has been ring-fenced for skills development in terms of transferring our knowledge in order to up-skill our country.
David Bouwer asked:
I assume the reluctance of provincial rugby unions to consider moving to the new, and vastly superior facilities lies in ownership issues, and therefore profits. Then there''s also the ''Nostalgia factor'' that comes with a teams so-called fortress. My question - Is it not in the interests of both the local and national economy to sweeten the deal for such a move by the respective unions? It seems absurd that these facilities are underutilised, when their older and smaller neighbours are packed to capacity week in and week out. Nostalgia vs. Progress - it''s like watching two Aussie teams playing to avoid the wooden spoon.
Jacques answered:
I think that nostalgia will always be a factor, but we’re operating in a professional era where money is king. Stadiums cost billions to build and millions to run, so it’s imperative to capitalise on those big events.
Commercialisation takes preference over nostalgia unfortunately!
Renelle asked:
Rand Stadium doesn’t host as many games as Orlando, Dobsonville and Soccer City Complex, FNB Stadium, is this likely to change next season?
Jacques answered:
We are in the process of undergoing a business plan change with regards to Rand Stadium as it is not our objective to have a resident or home PSL team at this stadium. We would like it to be home to a high performance soccer training venue and host other sports matches besides soccer.
We are also looking into boxing and extreme motor-biking.
renelle asked:
Considering the tremendous public response to voting for the Carling Black Label Cup, what are your expectations in terms of attendances for the 28th July?
Jacques answered:
Last year we hosted 78 000. Our biggest soccer event was 92 000, and biggest rugby event was 94 000. It would be ideal to get another 92 000 crowd in for the Carling Black Label Cup match.
sarita asked:
What are the biggest challenges of hosting 90 000+ fans at Soccer City Complex, FNB Stadium?
Jacques answered:
We have run over 60 events this year with 50% of them being sold out. Stadium Management South Africa are old hands at managing capacity crowds, however we know that our biggest challenge remains the fans: to ensure that their experience is a pleasurable one in terms of parking, food, toilets, access, safety and security.
Q asked:
whats the issue with stadiuams not contracted to PSL clubs through out the entire season...in that way fans can feel at home and always know where their team is playing and they could support it in numbers,even two clubs can share a stadiuam like inter and AC milan do in italy & stadiaums can always make money...
secondly: how affordable are these stadiuam to use for none sport events...?
Jacques answered:
We want clubs to commit to a home stadium which then lifts the commercial value of the stadium because you can guarantee matches at that stadium for the full season. I have no problem with the sharing of stadiums, however it halves the commercial values which I see no point in doing when we have an abundance of spectacular stadiums in this country.
Provided the stadium is built as a multi-purpose venue, there is no reason why you wouldn’t host soccer, rugby and music events at the same venue. At Soccer City we go one better with kids parties in the change rooms and birthday functions in our Presidents suite.
Altus Stoop asked:
Jacques, what is your take on no more International matches in cricket, rugby and soccer may be played on privately owened stadiums like Loftus, Coca-Cola Park, Kingspark or Newlands. Let the rugby unions keep their stadiums for their respective provincial teams and make staduims like Greenpoint, M.Mabhida ect springbok, proteas and bafana fortress?
Jacques answered:
According to the constitution, the government should provide sports facilities. This nation wants to work as one and create unity through sport – so we wouldn’t want to separate the rugby from the soccer too much.
Again, the Vodacom Bulls to Orlando Stadium is a perfect example of what can be done through sport. You don’t want to take away the commercial value that a big match offers by hosting it at a small venue, but there’s no reason why a massive stadium like Soccer City wont host smaller matches in the future.
The current Springbok rugby fixtures are a perfect example of how everyone got a piece of the pie when it comes to England, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
edwin de jongh asked:
i would like to know how these stadiums was built without taking in concideration other sports, like athletics, rugby and cycling. we had a rare oppurtunity to build these stadiums as "veeldoelige" stadiums and leaving behind world class stadiums for the other sports to use. should''nt a few heads roll?
Jacques answered:
Stadium Management SA became involved in 2009 and worked with the Professional Team, architects and construction company in making sure that the Soccer City Complex and its main stadium qualify as a multi-purpose venue.
It also amazes me that some of the other venues were not taken care of during the design stages.
JP Rheeder asked:
Hi Jacques,
Surely putting money into our existing stadiums to increase capacity should have been more than sufficient. Did anyone champion this cause against FIFA, or did everyone just roll over for Mr Blatter? Was it just a money making venture for everyone at the time, with regards to tenders and contracts?
Are Taxpayers footing the bill for those stadiums that are operating at a loss?
Cheers!
Why was the erection of these white elephants allowed by SMSA?
Jacques answered:
Once a country wins the bid, there are three agreements that need to be signed – between government and FIFA; the host city; and the stadium authority. Unfortunately not all of the agreements may have been properly understood at the time of signing and different interpretations existed. In Johannesburg it was certainly properly understood.
